Dear Families,

Can you believe that we’re soon entering our last week of January next week, wow!  Time sure flies when you’re having a blast!  Your child truly brings me such joy and happiness daily.  We are all thinking, learning, and growing with each other – an uplifting feeling! 

More Engaging Measurement Learning:

This week, we continued exploring, investigating and recording linear (length, width, and perimeter) measurements.  Students used string to measure the perimeter around various containers and then used non-standard (e.g., snap cubes) and standard (e.g., rulers and metre sticks) units to measure and compare their findings.  They have been introduced to a metre stick as a benchmark when comparing lengths of various objects in the classroom.

Vasiliki measuring around the scissor container

Reanna measuring around a candle holder

Danica using ones blocks to measure

Cameron measuring around a candle holder

Ethan W. measuring around his water bottle

Using a table to record

Math Game:
On Thursday, I introduced a new math game called "Perimeter Chase."  See picture below for instructions.  Students had an absolute blast playing this and now have a deeper understanding of what this math term (perimeter) means and how to calculate it.  Please ask your child about this :) You will notice in their agenda this evening that they have brought this game home for the weekend to play with you!  They know the procedure 'how to play the game' and the accompanying materials to go with it.  Enjoy :)

Perimeter Chase instructions

Amy & Danica cooperatively playing

Mati & Brandon having a blast!

Kaylie & Ethan W. colouring the perimeter

Madison & Vasiliki carefully colouring their perimeter

Reanna & Evelyn proud of their efforts!

Archie & Jack working together to get the job done!

Thomas B. & Cameron adding two numbers together

Ethan F. & Owen trying to roll doubles!

Science:
On Tuesday, students wrote their 'Matter' assessment.  I was very pleased with how many enthusiastically completed it and wanted to share their learning about the 'Properties of Liquids, Solids, and Gases.'  Last week, I sent home a 'Matter Review' sheet and I want to thank you for supporting your child in this with reviewing the concepts taught at home.  It certainly made a significant difference!

Spirit Day:
On Thursday January 28th our school is celebrating Pajama Day!  I shared this news with my class and they are already starting to think about which PJ's to wear and which special 'stuffy' they'd like to bring with them to school that day!  I am encouraging students to bring in a stuffy that can be carried in their backpack.  They will be given the opportunity to learn with it in class all day!  I will be sure to get a class picture of all of us in our PJ's to share with you on next week's blog post!  Stay tuned :)

Website:
One of our literacy workstations is called 'I Inquire.'  At this station, students are exposed to a variety of materials on our science table and are required to write down an I Wonder question.  I encourage them to think about questions they may have about the world around them.  When we read, a comprehension strategy that we have learned about is questioning. Good readers ask questions as they read to assist in gaining a deeper understanding of the text.  Please ask your child about one of their I Wonders that they've written this year :) You can then go online with them and find the answer!

Please also visit the following website: http://www.wonderopolis.org/    
It is an excellent website that shares 'Wonders of the Day' which your child uses when they are at this workstation!  I think you will find it very interesting and informative :) Enjoy!

Quote:
"Being happy isn't dependent on your circumstances.  Optimism is a courageous choice you can make everyday, especially in the face of adversity."

Namaste,

Miss Gill